Some damage control for neighbors.

[jdmidwest]

8 hours ago, Terrierman said:

Nice job!  Yeah those big conibears are a little intimidating.

I use the small ones indoors of grain houses and sheds for rats.  I use the set tool and the safety.  I had one unload when trying to do it the ole fashion way, pops pretty quick.  Don't have any of the large ones that you need for the beavers.  Lots of coil behind them.

[MoCarp]

On 12/20/2020 at 7:31 PM, BilletHead said:

Phil told me once in a PM back when we banged heads more that he knew you and you were good people....

you are good people...thanks for sharing this...

[Quillback]

That is pretty neat.  There's a few beaver on Table Rock, always surprises me that there aren't more, must be a reason, maybe they get trapped.

 

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Castor was a main ingredient in women's perfume, among other things!

[BilletHead]

1 minute ago, Ryan Miloshewski said:

Castor was a main ingredient in women's perfume, among other things!

               Food products too  . 

[Johnsfolly]

3 hours ago, Ryan Miloshewski said:

Castor was a main ingredient in women's perfume, among other things!

So was ambergris from sperm whales

[luckycraft]

On 12/20/2020 at 7:31 PM, BilletHead said:

       Have some new neighbors to the south a half mile. Good folks moving from Kansas and building a house. There are two older ponds on the property. We have become good friends with them. So the last few years even before they bought the place beaver have set up residence there. They asked if there was anything that could be done. This being said I have trapped many things and done well doing that but have never trapped beaver. Done muskrat and mink but this would be the first for beaver. So last year I borrowed three 330 conibear traps and got some instruction and set them. So I did not buy a trapping license for just damage control as I was not going to utilize the catch. I must say the 330 conibear trap is a dangerous and scary thing. Don't like them but set it I did and caught one beaver. I gave up the beaver to the proper authority who donated it to a scout pack to mess with. Left them set a couple weeks without another catch. Job seemed to be done for last year!

   Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. Neighbors said hey I think the beavers are back. I knew this for quite awhile but had not said nothing. Really doing damage to the trees. Not only cutting birch but oak, cherry and some real old beautiful sweetgums. I told them I would get back to it. Pond is low and easy setting. Just what I need easy! I still had the 330s in my possession and set them. Three bank den entrances. I did this year buy the trapping license just in case and glad I did. 

   Night one, 43 pounds.  

     I gifted this one to a friend who is a real trapper. He brought over three more conibears and caster lure and instruction on making castor mound sets. So with them set day two brought this,   This one I did take out the caster sacks and cut out backstraps for eating. Caster is high dollar but it takes many, many beaver to make a pound. This year castor is going for 80 bucks a pound dried. These will be gifted to my friend who collects it to make more lure. It has a real pleasant odor.    Do you know what it is used for? Might surprise some of you. It is actually neat stuff.

Castoreum - Wikipedia

            Day three was a catch I was really hoping for and the reason I bought my trapping license. My first otter and it was a nice dark one. Male 44 inches from nose to tail. 

    Like most fur now not worth much at all. Like @wily I checked into getting a mount, way too much. Then I asked about a rug type mount again that starts at 400 bucks, again no way. Decided to do a soft tan. It can be left case skinned or split up the belly to spread out. this I could do. Took it to get tagged, 

    Then delivered to the taxidermist for the wait in line to get it done. Last two mornings went to find empty sets. Good chance it was just a couple bachelor beavers living up there. Three of the 330s will be going back to owner for him to set. I will leave the original three to be checked daily for maybe another beaver or another otter maybe?

Those 330s definitely will make your butt pucker taking the safetys off.    Caster mounds are the way to go.   Awesome otter. I have never got one but have heard they torment beavers